Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is probably the best-known name in country music, the across-the-board favorite of everyone from rednecks to hippies. With his distinctive vocal style, thoroughly unique guitar styling, and his phenomenal songwriting skills, Willie Nelson has done more for Texas music than just about anyone. Willie started as a songwriter in Nashville, writing hits for other artists. It wasn't until the "outlaw" movement of the 70's that Willie Nelson came into his own. With the release of Red Headed Stranger, Willie Nelson was on his way to becoming a legend. He joined up with Waylon Jennings to release a gigantic number of hits through the 70's, while continuing on with his impressive solo career.
While Willie, like many great country legends, was eased off the airways in the mid-90's, he never has slowed down any. He has remained a tremendous force on the road as well as working charity, including the Farm Aid concerts. He's managed to sneak back onto the young country airwaves on duets with such artists as Lee Ann Womack and Toby Keith, and he continues to release an impressive amount of new material. Willie has been nominated for his performance on "Good Ol' Boys," off the Dukes of Hazzard soundtrack.
Previous Grammy Wins:
- Best Country Vocal Performance, Male - "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" - 1975
- Best Country Vocal Performance By A Duo Or Group (with Waylon Jennings) "Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" - 1978
- Best Country Vocal Performance, Male - "Georgia On My Mind" - 1978
- Best Country Song - "On The Road Again" - 1980
- Best Country Vocal Performance, Male - "Always On My Mind" - 1982
- Best Country Collaboration With Vocals (with Lee Ann Womack) "Mendocino County Line" - 2002
Current Grammy Nominations:
- Best Country Vocal Performance, Male - "Good Ol' Boys"
- Best Country Collaboration With Vocals (with Norah Jones) - "Dreams Come True"
(Bio courtesy of Kathy Coleman)